Mangalore, October 18: The national publicity campaign organised by National Women’s Front was inaugurated at Loyola hall in St Aloysius College at Mangalore on Friday, October 17th ahead of its National conference which will be held in Tamilnadu.
NWF national committee member Shahida Tasneem addressing the audience on the occasion said that despite having been worshipped over centuries and elevated to the level of sainthood, women still did not receive the dignity and respect they deserve. The new schemes introduced by governments and political parties for empowerment of women, are not truly empowered. Despite best efforts, the condition of women in the country has not improved, she said.
Numerous problems faced by women are unaddressed. Women have to forget all the differences and fight united. While pointing at various aspects that denote women have not been empowered yet, Shahida said that despite the reservation, only 11 per cent of the total Members of Parliament in India are women. Issues like lack of education, gender inequality, infant mortality continue to be a hurdle in the process of women empowerment.
NWF national president Shahida Aslam said in her inaugural address that the society continues to look at women as commodities meant to be used. Although sexual crimes on women are on the rise, legalizing prostitution is not a solution. We should realise that young girls are forcibly pushed into the flesh trade. Instead of legalizing prostitution, what should be controlled are sale and distribution of intoxicating substances. There is a need for a social revolution to change the mindset of the society, and through the media, awareness should be brought in this regard, she said.
She said that the role of women was also significant in preventing crimes against women. “We should bring a change in ourselves and try to improve our character,” she pointed.
Jyothi Guruprasad Poet and columnist, Beary Sahitya Academy member Zohra Abbas, Mumtaz Pakkladka of Asare Women’s Foundation, Mangalore, NWF Kerala state president Ramla Teacher and Tamil Nadu state president Raziya also delivered their precious talks.
On this occasion, Fathima Naseema NWF Karnataka state president delivered her presidential address.
Corraine Rasquinha, Maryam Ismail, Sameera and Fouzia were felicitated for their achievements during this ceremony.
